Not a good old boy

Jon Christensen was
prophetic when he wrote that the Forest Service would not replace
Kevin Atchley with a "good old boy" (HCN, 10/30/95). (Christensen's
Great Basin story told of Atchley's transfer within Nevada,
following hostile incidents toward Forest Service
personnel.)

I'm living proof: the "new range
con." I've found if you deal with people honestly, show them the
problem areas, explain what the ecological standards are and why
they are in place, then listen to their ideas on how to fix things,
real progress can be made towards enlightened land
use.

There may not be total consensus, and a
particular rancher may not like all that's required. One thing is
certain if communication stays functional: There is little
confusion about what is expected in terms of permit compliance.
There may even be the beginnings of mutual
respect.

N. Chrystine
Olson

Elko,
Nevada

The writer is a
rangeland management specialist for the Forest
Service.